The W.D. Farr Scholarship Awards, in the amount of $12,000 each, will be presented by the National Cattlemen's Foundation (NCF). Earlier this year, NCF received 29 applications from 16 universities across the country - as well as two international applicants - for the scholarship awards. Finalists were chosen from students in the fields of animal science, environmental science and agriculture were eligible, as these scholarships honor W.D. Farr's successful career and dedication to many aspects of production agriculture. Contributions to the scholarship fund currently total over $200,000, with fundraising efforts still ongoing for awards in future years.

My father, who just turned 97 years old, was very pleased with the outstanding character and leadership demonstrated by the student applicants. He is humbled by the honor of the scholarship program in his name. said Dick Farr, son of W.D. Farr.

Other highlights of the Cattle Industry Summer Conference include a Beef-Dairy Nutrition Symposium on Tuesday, July 17, and Beef Industry Issues Forums on Wednesday, July 18. The Beef-Dairy Nutrition Symposium will examine the common nutrition environment currently faced by the beef and dairy industries. The Issues Forums are headlined by a general session focusing on current cattle market conditions. Industry experts will discuss the challenges faced by cattlemen as they deal with today's exceptionally high operating costs. Individual breakout sessions will promote in-depth discussion of specific industry issues.

The Summer Conference also offers cattlemen the opportunity to attend NCBA regional caucus meetings and NCBA policy committee meetings. These sessions provide updates on the progress of member-driven NCBA policies that were adopted at the Cattle Industry Annual Convention in February. These meetings will include status reports on such issues as the 2007 Farm Bill, renewable fuels policy, and international trade negotiations.

In addition, joint industry committees and subcommittees will receive progress reports on all projects and initiatives currently funded by the Beef Checkoff Program.

American National CattleWomen, Inc. will also be holding educational workshops on efficient use of the Internet, making effective presentations to children, and consumer diet trends.

The conference draws to a close on Friday, July 20, with meetings of the Cattlemen's Beef Board and the NCBA Board of Directors.